Is Kim Jong Un Truly Striving for North Korea's Freedom or Simply Conservatives a Power-Grasping Tyrant?

The Riddle of Kim Jong Un's Intentions

Is Kim Jong Un genuinely seeking to liberate North Korea, or is he merely perpetuating his own reign of tyranny? The answer might seem elusive, yet an examination of his actions and the reactions of those around him can provide some clues. While one could argue that his grand ambitions would simply lead to him being killed for any significant diminution of his power, his actions and the actions of those around him—like the mass defection of government officials—tell a different story.

The Tyrannical Leadership and Power Obsession

It has been often noted that Kim Jong Un shares a striking resemblance to Napoleon in George Orwell's Animal Farm. Just as Napoleon the tyrannical pig leader ruled with an iron fist, so too does Kim Jong Un govern North Korea with an unequivocal sense of control. This control is not just a matter of policy but a manifestation of his personal power, often at the expense of his people's freedom and well-being. It's clear that Kim Jong Un has no desire to relinquish his position of power, as it is the bedrock of his existence.

Kim Jong Un’s Obsession and Isolation

Despite the widely-held belief that Kim Jong Un is dedicated to freeing North Korea, it's difficult to ascertain the authenticity of this conviction. There are strong indications that his father, Kim Jong Il, was highly critical of the status quo, suggesting a potential pushing towards change that was stymied or prevented by the regime. Meanwhile, the idea that Kim Jong Un himself is a prisoner of the regime cannot be entirely discounted, as his near-total isolation and the lack of evidence of him experiencing life beyond the constraints of his role makes this viewpoint plausible. His unprecedented interest in visiting places outside of factories might betray a latent desire for a wider world, but this is overshadowed by the reality of his constant surveillance and control.

Defections: A Sign of Dissatisfaction

The mass defections of government officials, particularly those in military and finance roles, point to a deeper dissatisfaction with the regime. These defections signal that some within the government recognize the oppressive nature of the system and are seeking to escape. It is difficult to reconcile these actions with the idea that Kim Jong Un is actively working to improve the human rights situation in North Korea. Indeed, the recent high profile defection of his uncle, Jang Sung Taek, further underscores the general discontent with the regime and the heightened risk of exit for other officials.

Potential for Reform and Incremental Progress

The hypothesis that Kim Jong Un is genuinely interested in liberating North Korea but is constrained by the threat of retaliation is intriguing. However, if true, it would require a level of internal resistance or the emergence of forces within the regime pushing for change. Yet, the absence of consistent, incremental progress in improving human rights or fostering a more democratic society suggests otherwise. It is more likely that any such reforms, if they were to occur, would be gradual and stem from internal forces rather than the top-down directive of Kim Jong Un.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while the possibility of Kim Jong Un genuinely striving for freedom for North Korea cannot be entirely dismissed, current evidence and the actions of those around him suggest a focus on maintaining power rather than genuine reform. The pursuit of broader freedoms in North Korea remains a distant dream, overshadowed by the dominance of a regime that prioritizes control over the welfare of its citizens.